Military clarifies report on death of detainees at Giwa Barracks

By Ahmed Kaigama

Nigerian military has clarified that Amnesty International report on deaths of detainees at Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri, Borno State, currently been circulated was not a recent publication.

The military issued the clarification on Sunday following the emergence of the report on the deaths among detainees held at the Maiduguri facility.

The report resurfaced following the death of 37 suspects arrested for illegal mining in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC in Niger State.

But the military, through the Headquarters Joint Task Force, North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), clarified that the Amnesty International report on Giwa Barracks was released in 2016.

Capt. Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, OPHK, made the clarification in a statement issued on Sunday in Maiduguri.

According to Goni, the report published the report in May 2016, covered alleged detention conditions and deaths recorded between January and May 2016.

The spokesperson added that recent circulation without historical context could create the misleading impression that the alleged deaths were recent.

“The report concerns allegations relating to detention conditions during that period and has no connection with events or conditions at the facility in 2026,” he said.

He added that report represented Amnesty International’s account of events at the time and should not be presented as a current development.

Goni therefore cautioned against using the report to characterise prevailing conditions at the facility without considering subsequent developments.

He particularly urged media organisations, online platforms and the public to verify the dates and context of archival reports.

The spokesperson added that this was particularly important when dealing with sensitive security and humanitarian issues.

Goni added that the Joint Investigation Centre at Giwa Barracks continued to operate in accordance with Nigerian laws and established procedures.

He added that the Centre also operated in line with applicable international standards, while prioritising the welfare and lawful treatment of detainees.

According to him, detainees have access to necessary care, skills acquisition, vocational training, and Western and Islamic education.

He said the Centre also maintained engagement with relevant humanitarian and human rights organisations.

Goni added that national and international media organisations had been granted access in 2026 to observe the Centre’s activities and prevailing conditions.

He reaffirmed OPHK’s commitment to professional conduct, respect for applicable laws and standards, and continuous improvement in detainee management and welfare.

Goni urged the public to verify the date, source and context of security-related reports before sharing them.

He similarly urged media organisations to distinguish clearly between historical reports and current developments to avoid unnecessary public apprehension.

Goni said OPHK remained committed to restoring lasting peace and normalcy across the North-East through sustained and professionally conducted operations.

(NAN)